Clamping Device with External Actuation Lever for Sliding Roof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping systems for sliding roofs are cumbersome to operate, time-consuming, and prone to damage due to their design and placement within the loading area, which restricts space and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tensioning device is positioned outside the loading area with a hinged connecting element between the actuating lever and tensioning element, allowing partial lowering and automatic locking, featuring a compression spring for adaptation and a locking element for enhanced security, and an extendable design for easier operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping system is placed within the loading area, then it can directly access the running and guide rails, but it reduces the loading space and increases the risk of damage during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is extracted from the loading area and positioned externally, eliminating the conflict between the clamping system and loading operations. The device can still access the running and guide rails through the guide mechanism while remaining outside the loading space, thus preserving both direct access capability and full loading area availability
2Ease of operation
If the clamping system is placed within the loading area, then it can directly access the running and guide rails, but it increases the risk of damage during loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is extracted from the loading area and positioned externally, eliminating the conflict between the clamping system and loading operations. The device can still access the running and guide rails through the guide mechanism while remaining outside the loading space, thus preserving both direct access capability and full loading area availability
3Ease of operation
If a crank mechanism is used for actuation, then the clamping element can be moved between locking and release positions, but the actuation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is designed to be extendable, allowing the operator to adjust the lever arm length according to the required clamping force. This dynamic adjustment capability enables faster and more efficient actuation compared to fixed crank mechanisms, reducing both the tediousness and time required for operation
4Ease of operation
If the actuating lever is made extendable, then the lever arm can be lengthened for easier actuation, but the overall size increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever is designed to be extendable, allowing the operator to adjust the lever arm length according to the required clamping force. This dynamic adjustment capability enables faster and more efficient actuation compared to fixed crank mechanisms, reducing both the tediousness and time required for operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a user-friendly, space-efficient, and secure clamping system that reduces the risk of damage and enhances operational ease by allowing the tensioning device to be lowered outside the loading area, enabling automatic locking and precise force adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping element 4 can be connected to the connecting element 6 via a compression spring element 12, which allows slight displacement within the guide 5 when the actuating lever 3 is in its locking position
Implementation Method 2
a connecting element 6 hinged to both the clamping element 4 and the actuating lever 3
Implementation Method 3
the actuating lever 3 can be designed to be extendable, in particular against a restoring force, so that the lever arm can be lengthened for easier actuation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The device (1) has an actuation lever (3) arranged pivotably about an axis (2) and shiftable between a locking position and a release position. A clamping element (4) is arranged in a guide (5) aligned in accordance with a course of a guidance and a runner rail. The guide comprises an open space in a subregion on an underside such that the clamping element is lowered to an extent that an end carriage is displaced away from an end of the guidance and the runner rail upon shifting of the actuation lever into the release position.